It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of George R. Keim, age 73, on October 5th, 2024. A beloved husband, father, brother and Poppie, who left us peacefully surrounded by those who loved him most. George was born to Joyce and George Keim along with his sister, Jeanne Keim and was preceded in death by their parents.
Sports were something that George excelled at from an early age. On November 27th, 1969, he helped the Bowsher Rebels win their first Football City League Championship by defeating St. Francis 12-8. George was a proud Toledo Rocket, graduating in 1976, playing college football at the University of Toledo, where he became a local legend for kicking the game-winning field goal against Villanova. That moment was just one of the many highlights of a life filled with a passion for sports.
In 1980, he married Ruth Harrison, and together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and plenty of sports. Ruth and George, over the last decade plus, were avid Rocket fans and tailgaters.
George was the proud father of Meghan and Benjamin. He was over the moon about Meghan’s upcoming wedding to her fiancé, Robb Shadday, in just two weeks—he loved Robb like a son. He cherished his son Benjamin, who along with his wife Mackenzie, blessed Ruth and George with three beautiful granddaughters: Charlie, Bentlie, and Georgie. They brought so much joy to his life, and he loved being their Poppie.
George was a true fan of all things World War II, and he could often be found munching on Ballreich’s potato chips or enjoying a Netty’s hot dog. His passion for sports and history was infectious, and he loved sharing stories and memories with family and friends.
In true Georgie Keim fashion, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014, he decided to battle it head on with yet another sport; boxing. The Bop Bop Bang program at the International Boxing Club in Toledo worked with individuals with Parkinson’s to help delay the progression of the disease. He enjoyed this year-round until 2022 when the disease progressed to a point where it became too difficult to continue.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at The Willows in Bowling Green along with Hospice of Northwest Ohio, who cared for George with compassion and kindness in his final days. He may be gone, but he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.
George will be missed dearly by his family, but we find comfort in knowing he’s cheering us on from the sidelines. Rest in peace, George. You were truly one of a kind.
Memorial contributions may be given in George’s honor to The Bop Bop Bang Boxing Program or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
A visitation for George will be held on Wednesday October 16, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Peinert-Dunn Funeral Home located on 7220 Dutch Rd. Waterville, Ohio 43566. A Celebration of George’s life will be held privately with the family.
To leave an online condolence or fond memory with the Keim family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
